title: Control of solid-state lasers using an intra-cavity MEMS micromirror.
abstract: High reflectivity, electrothermal and electrostatic MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) micromirrors were used as a control element within a Nd-doped laser cavity. Stable continuous-wave oscillation of a 3-mirror Nd:YLF laser at a maximum output power of 200 mW was limited by thermally-induced surface deformation of the micromirror. An electrostatic micromirror was used to induce Q-switching, resulting in pulse durations of 220 ns - 2 μs over a repetition frequency range of 6 kHz - 40 kHz.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics, University of Strathclyde, Wolfson Centre, 16 Rottenrow, Glasgow G4 0NW, UK. walter.lubeigt@strath.ac.uk
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lubeigt
authors.forename: Joao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Vasili
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Savitski
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Uttamchandani
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Burns
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005246:Feedback; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D007909:Lenses; D055617:Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008904:Miniaturization